The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Nicholas L. Marasco (ASN: 32135528), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 24th Infantry Division near Palo, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 30 October 1944. A company of infantry was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force inflicting many casualties. Sergeant Marasco, squad leader, exposed himself to the intense hostile fire to place his men in positions from which they could cover the evacuation of the wounded. When this was accomplished, he personally evacuated wounded men under enemy fire. After all the casualties had been safely evacuated, Sergeant Marasco moved to an exposed position from which he could effectively cover the withdrawal of his men, leaving only when the last of his men had reached safety. Sergeant Marasco’s able leadership and fearless courage is worthy of the highest traditions of the military service.